the people of Iraq did, and to come under their rule.” These three statements were made during this crisis, just as they were during that earlier one.

Likewise, a group of hypocrites and those in whose hearts is disease said to the people of Damascus in particular, and Syria in general: “You cannot stand your ground in this land.” Denying that one can stand there is more emphatic than denying that one can remain there, although the word has also been read with a u-vowel. For if someone cannot stand in a place, how can he remain there?

Allah Most High says:

“A group of them asked the Prophet’s permission to leave, saying, ‘Our homes are exposed,’ though they were not exposed. They only wished to flee.”

Some of these censured people—while the people were with the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, near Mount Salʿ, inside the trench, and the women and children were in Medina’s fortified towers—would say: “O Messenger of Allah, our homes are exposed,” meaning that they were unprotected, with no barrier between them and the enemy.

The basic meaning of ʿawrah is an unprotected place that needs guarding and covering. One says, “Your meeting place has become exposed,” when its screen is gone or its wall has fallen. From this comes the expression “the enemy’s vulnerable point.”

Mujāhid and al-Hasan said: “That is, unguarded and at risk from thieves.”

Qatādah said: “They said, ‘Our homes are on the side facing the enemy, so we fear for our families. Give us permission to